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Did you learn about money at school?

97% of us think that financial education in school is important... 
but only 40% of us had it.

If you feel as though you missed out on life's financial lessons, you are not alone. Scroll down to hear what other people have to say about their knowledge of finance. And learn some practical tips and ideas for grown-ups that hopefully won't make you feel like you're back in Maths at school!

You just don't learn anything practical about money

 

 

 

Anna tells us how money is only ever experienced as a feeling and not something we are taught, even as adults, and Taz explains how her nephew is already falling into the pitfalls of online shopping despite having no concept of real world money. These pages share a few tips to help bridge the information gap so many of us feel. 

Money Lessons (for grown-ups)

Money can be a baffling and dense topic to unpick, taking more time and energy than many of us have. The good news is that there are lots of free resources, tools and calculators around which can help answer the important questions and get you back on track. 

  • The Money Advice Service
    A free, Government-funded service with lots of impartial help and online calculators. Especially good if you are struggling with debt. 

  • The Pensions Advisory Service
    A free Government-funded service which is most useful for those approaching retirement. A great source of free help and learning. 

  • Our Boring Money website
    Learn about ISAs, funds, pensions and more or have a look at what real consumers have to say about their investment platforms and providers. Sign up for our weekly blog for no-nonsense commentary, tips and updates.

  • Learn on the job!
    Investments and longer-term savings can feel like an enormous decision when you don't quite understand the question. New digital services called robo advisers are an easy way to get started with very small amounts. Wealthify has the lowest starting amounts and let's you get going from just £1. So consider opening an account just to start to see how the ups and downs work, to get the updates, and to experience a year of being an investor with very very small sums at stake. 

  • Understand your pension
    The vast majority of employed people now have a pension through work. Although it may feel intangible and a bit distant, it's an important source of future of income. Get the log-in details for the portal from HR and read up on what you have. Most people will be funnelling 8% of their income into this now so it's worth finding out about! 

  • Self-employed?
    The self-employed are not covered by the workplace pension rules and that make you vulnerable. If you are self-employed you really need to take things into your own hands and learn more about pensions. Hargreaves Lansdown or AJ Bell Youinvest have good information to mug up on. 

 

Holly's tip: "Many people put off saving because they don't know where to start. If you are interested in a stocks and shares ISA but don't know how to go about this, read up on so-called 'multi-asset' funds. These are like the ready-meals of the investment world - pre-assembled collections of global investments which are managed for you on an ongoing basis for you.

If you have children there are some nice apps to help manage pocket money and budgeting - I use GoHenry with my kids and they love their customised bank cards!" 

 

Food for thought for younger people - getting money smart

Here are some ideas for younger people to help you to start to think about getting money smart. Time is a massively powerful ally so don't be afraid to start young and start small. 

 

Investor Pulse - What you told us

Every year, BlackRock ask people from all over the world, including the UK, how they think and feel about their financial health.


This year, they went deeper than ever before to understand the connection between our financial health and well-being.


Conducted at a time of unique political, cultural and social upheaval, this edition of BlackRock’s Investor Pulse seeks to better understand how these forces affect financial health.

 

They asked you about your experiences with financial education. Here is what you said:

  • 77% of millennials believe their financial outlook would improve if they started investing, but 59% don’t know where to turn to for advice.
  • 67% of Brits find information about investing difficult to understand.
  • 59% of 18-24-year olds feel like they have poor financial health
  • And almost all (97%) say financial education in school in important, yet only 40% say they received it

Visit BlackRock to learn more about Investor Pulse.